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Impossibly Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Brown Sugar

A close-up of a serving of bright orange, silky mashed sweet potatoes topped with two pats of melting butter and a sprinkle of spice.

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You will make the best mashed sweet potatoes with this simple recipe. This method focuses on achieving a silky, smooth texture perfect for any family dinner or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or buttermilk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the peeled and cut sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt.
  2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Drain the potatoes completely. Return them to the hot, empty pot and let them sit for 1 to 2 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This step helps prevent watery mash.
  4. Add the softened butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
  5. Using a potato masher or an electric hand mixer on low speed, begin mashing the potatoes.
  6. Gradually pour in the heavy cream or buttermilk while continuing to mix until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Do not overmix, or the potatoes may become gluey.
  7. Taste the mash and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetener as needed. Serve immediately as a comforting side dish.

Notes

  • For the smoothest texture, consider using a potato ricer after boiling, or use an electric mixer on low speed until just combined.
  • If you prefer a savory mashed sweet potatoes recipe, omit the brown sugar and maple syrup. Instead, add 2 tablespoons of sour cream and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme during step 4.
  • To make this a quick sweet potato side dish, use pre-cooked sweet potatoes or microwave them until tender before mashing.

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